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Wheels have just posted on their facebook site that there is a conference with Ford Aus today at 9.15am and that they are expected to announce closing their doors, they will become an import company only.
Not sure if there is any weight behind this but certainly dark days for the local industry and all its employees
AAP newswires - Ford is expected to announce a huge cut
to its Australian operations from 2016.
Fairfax radio is reporting that Ford will close its Broadmeadows
and Geelong factories, in Victoria, from 2016.
Ford has not officially confirmed any closures, but a
spokesperson has said it will issue a media alert on Thursday
morning.
Federal Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said he was yet to be
informed of any cuts.
"I guess we have to wait until we get confirmation of the
reports," Mr Bradbury told Sky News.
"Obviously, that would be a source of great concern. I certainly
have no confirmation."
Opposition small business spokesman Bruce Billson said such a
move would have a terrible impact on Victoria.
"If that's true, what a tragedy that would be for Victorian
communities, particularly Broadmeadows and Geelong, where the Ford
operations are such a huge generator of economic and employment
opportunities," the Liberal MP told Sky News.
Writing was on the wall when Ford decided against making small cars here, and Ford HQ would let Ford Aus develop to Falcon for LHD killing most export chances pity the yanks have been screaming for something like the Falcon for years.
If Ford closes, and the economies of scale for the local industry to suffer accordingly, Holdens decision on local manufacturing has just being made a whole lot easier..........unfortunately.....
Ford Australia to shut Broadmeadows car factory, Geelong engine plant
http://www.news.com.au/business/ford...-1226648895882
More form AAP newswires:
Ford employs 3500 people at its Geelong and Broadmeadows
(Melbourne) plants.
The two plants manufacture the Falcon and the Territory SUV.
Last January, Ford announced its Territory and Falcon models
would continue to be made in Victoria until 2016.
The company at the time said a $103 million production upgrade
had secured its immediate future.
The upgrade included $34 million in federal government funding,
while the Victorian government contributed an unspecified amount
Ford says it will outline an "important business announcement"
at 10.45am (AEST).
Ford Australia President and chief executive Bob Graziano will
make the announcement at the company's training centre in
Campbellfield.
He will also release the company's 2012 financial results.
Ford Australia was founded in Geelong in 1925.
More to follow:
Media release distributed by AAP Medianet.
Ford Australia to Release 2012 Financial Results and Outline
Important Business Announcement
DATE: Thursday 23 May
TIME: Arrive at 10.35am for a 10.45am start
LOCATION: Ford Training Centre, enter through main entrance
1735 Sydney Road, Campbellfield, Vic
(Adjacent to head office)
WHAT:
Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano will make an
important business announcement today at the company's Broadmeadows
headquarters. The company also will release its 2012 financial
results. Chief Financial Officer Mark Rearick will also be
available to answer questions.
The news conference will begin at 10:45 a.m. and additionally
will be accessible by phone. The news release will be posted at
www.ford.com.au/about/newsroom at 10:55 a.m.
Dial in details for attendees who wish to access the conference
by phone are:
Dial-in numbers:
Australia toll free 1800 045 913
OR Melbourne 0386237272
OR Sydney 0280238415
Participant passcode:
Passcode: 847 983 78#
For more Global Access Numbers please see:
http://www.btconferencing.com/global...=759_automated
CONTACT: Ford Public Affairs
austnews@ford.com
0412 254 388
SOURCE: Ford Australia
If this in fact is true, it will be a sad day indeed for Australia and Australian manufacturing, the ramifications to be felt across many inductries and communities.
I am not saying this to be controversial, Ford in part have themselves to blame for the downward spiral, we the consumer and our elitist attitude against Australian made have contributed to the problem, Governemtn for not acting like a shareholder and demanding action from the car companies for financial support.
It both angers me and upsets me that it has gotten to this stage
You could say I'm a Holden man by birth - my father worked at Holden, my grandfather worked at Holden. But there's absolutely no joy here.
A sad, sad day for the Australian car industry. To think that it won't be long until there's just no such thing as the great Falcon v Commodore rivalry. My sons just won't know what that was all about when they're old enough to understand.
And another part of our once great manufacturing industry, and the jobs in it, is gone.
That explains the responses regarding Labor and unions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Writings been on the wall for years, anyone who works for Holden, better start looking for a new job
AAP newswires writes:
AAP - Ford will cease its manufacturing
operations in Australia by October 2016 with the loss of 1200 jobs.
Here's the Ford announcement:
http://www.ford.com.au/about/newsroo...=1249024395989
Important announcement from Ford Australia
Thu, May 23, 2013
Ford Accelerates Australian Business Transformation
Ford is transforming its Australian business by accelerating the introduction of new products for Australian customers, enhancing the sales and service experience, and improving its business efficiency and profitability
To better position the company to compete in a highly fragmented and competitive market, Ford will cease local manufacturing in October 2016. All entitlements are protected for the 1200 employees whose jobs are affected, and the company will work through the next three years to provide support
Ford will proceed with plans to launch updated versions of the Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory in 2014, as well as offering other world-class products, such as the Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus. The company will also strengthen its product lineup even further with a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016
Ford’s presence in Australia will remain significant – with 1500 team members, more than 200 dealers nationwide and a continued strong commitment to supporting the communities in which the company operates
MELBOURNE, Australia, 23 May 2013 – Ford Motor Company is transforming its business operations in Australia to provide customers with even more new products, and improved sales and service, while creating a more efficient and profitable business structure.
Ford announced the plan today, including its intention to cease its local manufacturing operations in October 2016. The decision on local manufacturing was driven by increasingly challenging market conditions – including market fragmentation and the high cost of manufacturing. Ford losses in Australia in the last five years have totaled approximately $600 million (AUD).
“All of us at Ford remain committed to our long history of serving Australian customers with the very best vehicles that deliver cutting edge technology at an affordable cost,” said Bob Graziano, president and CEO of Ford Australia. “Unfortunately, due to challenging market conditions we are unable to do that longer-term while continuing to manufacture locally.”
Support for Employees
Approximately 1200 jobs in Ford’s Broadmeadows and Geelong manufacturing plants will become redundant when manufacturing at those sites ceases in 2016.
All manufacturing employees’ benefits will be provided in line with current agreements. During the next three years, Ford will work with affected employees and their representatives on support arrangements and provide clarity about the closure process.
“We know this announcement is very difficult, especially for our employees,” said Graziano. “Providing support to those in our team whose roles will be affected is a key priority for us during this three-year transition period.”
Future vision for Ford Australia
While the way Ford is structured is changing, Ford’s commitment to Australia remains strong.
“Ford will remain a significant employer in Australia, with more than 1500 team members, as will our network of more than 200 dealers around the country,” said Graziano. “The Australian team’s role as a global centre of excellence for vehicle development also will continue to be an important focus for us.”
Australia is currently one of four product development hubs for Ford globally. Recently, the Australian team has been responsible for designing, engineering and testing global vehicles, including the Ford Ranger and Ford Figo, and will continue this expertise.
Today, Ford has more than 1000 team members in product development in Australia, giving the company more designers and engineers than any other auto company in Australia.
“Our customers will buy and service Ford vehicles through the same great dealers we have throughout the country today, and we will continue to support the communities in which we operate,” said Graziano.
Decision follows comprehensive review process
Given the changing dynamics of the auto industry, a number of business scenarios were reviewed during the past year to determine next steps for Ford’s Australian business.
All viable alternatives were evaluated as part of the process including manufacturing various types and combinations of vehicles for local sale as well as the viability of a significant export program. The scenarios investigated also included varying levels of government support, manufacturing cost reductions and productivity improvements.
Australia has annual sales of approximately 1.1 million new vehicles, and customers have access to more than 65 brands and 365 models available for sale. This makes Australia one of the most competitive and crowded automotive markets in the world.
“Given the fragmented marketplace and the low model volumes that result, we decided that manufacturing locally is no longer viable,” said Graziano.
More New Products
As part of the transformation, Ford has aggressive plans to introduce even more new products for Australian customers – including a 30 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles offered to Australian customers by 2016. That is in addition to already announced new versions of the Ford Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory, as well the new Ford Kuga, Ranger and Focus.
“We will be introducing a number of exciting new vehicles and technologies during the next few years that will excite our Australian customers,” said Graziano. “The breadth of our line-up will increase by more than 30 per cent, ensuring we continue to offer our customers an outstanding range of cars, SUVs and light trucks long into the future.”
Upgraded Sales and Service Experience
Ford also is significantly enhancing its approach to the sales and service experience. The company has appointed a dedicated Consumer Experience team to introduce a series of initiatives to provide customers with even better after-sales care.
“We have a range of projects under way to significantly enhance our customer’s experience with Ford,” said Graziano. “This includes one of the only programs in Australia that provides a capped price on all servicing costs for seven years.”
Ford continues to be part of Australian communities
“Ford vehicles have been part of the automotive landscape in Australia for almost 110 years and we have manufactured here since 1925. We are proud of that history. We are proud of our role in Australia and we haven’t made this decision lightly.
“Overall, we are changing, but our commitment to Australia remains strong. We’ll move through this transition and continue to be a vibrant and strong part of the Australian driving experience,” said Graziano.
How so? (And what did I say about unions? I don't remember saying anything about unions).Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy Gonzales
Sorry you don't feel as sad as everyone else about the death of Aussie manufacturing, but please don't come in this thread and spread your hate today.
+1 - I think many people will share that view, there is no joy in this at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
a few thoughts:
1. even though, like Marco, I am a Holden man, Ford's ceasing of local manufacturing is sad. puts last night sitting in the VF into perspective
2. why will it take three years to cease manufacturing?
3. what will replace the Falcon, or is the Mondeo large enough to be considered a large car?
4. what Ford product will race in V8supercars in 2017?
1. Yes, hopefully Holden might pull a few ex-Fordies across, few people want to be seen in a dying brand.Quote:
Originally Posted by Goggles
2. Beats me, I can't believe they're wasting money on the 2014 Falcon, when it is only selling less than a 1000 pm now.
3. Mondeo is in many dimensions, bigger than the Falcon, plus come with wagon version and US Explorer can replace Terry.
4. Probably nothing, then again I don't think there will be V8 supercars in 2017.
Cheers, Matthew